Tuesday, 22 September 2009

Sadly, one of my favourite places to hang out in Yerevan during summer/early autumn, French Terrace cafe (gay venue), no longer exists, due to the demolition project in downtown Yerevan (picture 1). It was situated right in front of the former Meline's gay bar, across the Arami Street, and was part of the French restaurant called simply "Le Restaurant Français".However, there is now a terrace cafe area right outside the French restaurant, covered by green leaves (picture 2). Recommended by locals.

Sunday, 20 September 2009

Earlier this year, we visited Armenia en route to a meeting of the 12th World Congress of Public Health Associations. We stopped in Yerevan to help celebrate with local organizations their recent success in persuading the government to repeal unwarranted requirements for foreign travelers to be tested for HIV.

In crafting the change in the law, Armenia's president and parliamentarians realized that longstanding regulations "did not meet the present-day requirements in the fight against HIV/AIDS," and acknowledged the lack of public health justification for barring immigrants with HIV. The parliament said the new rules were passed with the aim of "strengthening legal reforms and sustaining large-scale HIV/AIDS awareness raising activities" and "safeguarding human freedoms, dignity, and rights." This was a huge victory for public health and a proud moment for all Armenians.

There is added success to report in the global battle against HIV and AIDS. Several nations have demonstrated considerable progress in slowing national epidemics. In the last six years, rates of infection and death have slowed as the number of people receiving antiretroviral treatment has increased immensely. Many actors share credit in this achievement, most notably the United States, which mobilized billions of dollars in many low- and middle-income countries.

Despite progress in reducing HIV infections, the past years have also been marked by missed opportunities. There is a real danger in some countries, including Armenia, that the epidemic could surge in vulnerable populations, including women, injecting drug users, and men who have sex with men. These socially marginalized groups face considerable barriers to HIV prevention and treatment access, often as a result of institutionalized discrimination, stigma, and lack of awareness.

In fact, the United Nations estimates 7,400 people become infected with HIV every day. Globally, an estimated 33 million people were living with HIV in 2007. The number of people living with HIV in the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including countries of the former Soviet Union, has reached 1.5 million. Of that group, 2,300 are living in Armenia, according to the National Centre for AIDS Prevention, though the World Health Organization estimates the total to be higher. Silence, shame, and fear of ostracism enable HIV stigma and discrimination to flourish, resulting in fewer being tested and, ultimately, decreasing numbers of HIV/AIDS cases being reported.

Without appropriate health messages and support structures, vulnerable populations unknowingly engage in behavior that increases their risk of infection. A survey by Armenia's We For Civil Equality revealed young Armenian men who have sex with men are so poorly informed about HIV transmission that only half of the youngest men (18-30 years old) understood that "unprotected sexual intercourse" was a mode of HIV transmission. Half of those youngest men also believed, falsely, that one may get HIV through shaking hands.

Even more serious is the prejudice exhibited by members of the medical profession itself. Doctors, nurses, and staff responsible for the care and treatment of people living with HIV can sometimes turn out to be the most hurtful agents of HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

Scientific advancement and public health education have turned AIDS from a death sentence into a chronic disease. Armenia has an opportunity to ensure that HIV infection rates remain low and that people living with HIV and AIDS receive proper care. Investing in needs-based prevention programming, public awareness campaigns, expansion of access to antiretroviral drugs, and accurate and comprehensive sexual health education are critical components of an effective national response. Further, legal reforms are needed to create an environment conducive to eliminating discrimination, stigma, and violence against sexual minorities.

The lesson to learn from the countries where HIV infection rates have fallen sharply is that active participation of civil society is critical for success, including participation from organizations representing sexual minorities and people living with HIV/AIDS. Armenia has courageous groups working to provide life-saving services to vulnerable populations, such as Real World/Real People, Public Information and Need of Knowledge (PINK Armenia), and the Women's Resource Centre. With sufficient funding and political support, these and other organizations can transform community attitudes, drive policy, and mobilize the necessary resources to reverse the alarming spread of HIV among vulnerable populations.

The government, civil society groups, the private sector, the church, and the media all have a critical role to play in keeping Armenians healthy. Leaders in all sectors must model a willingness to discuss these issues openly and affirmatively enact policies to protect all citizens against discrimination and social exclusion. In turn, government must foster increased collaboration by supporting efforts to share information, address new challenges, and work collectively to design and deliver innovative and effective HIV/AIDS services.

Armenia has come a long way in a short time and the response to HIV will signal how it wants to advance on the global development agenda. While it was the last country in the south Caucasus to decriminalize sex between two males (2002), it demonstrated a progressive attitude by becoming the first country in the region to sign on to a UN statement against discrimination related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Ultimately, countries are judged by how they treat their poor, marginalized, and stigmatized people. Armenia can flourish as a regional leader by ensuring its people are healthy and cared for in a compassionate way.

Jirair Ratevosian, MPH, based in Washington D.C., chairs the International Health Advocacy and Policy Committee of the American Public Health Association. He was recently named deputy director of public policy for amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research.

Amy Hagopian, Ph.D. teaches at the University of Washington School of Public Health in Seattle, Washington. She is also a senior health workforce policy advisor for Health Alliance International.

Armenian police have been under severe social denial for the past few decades, but as more liberal moods begin to awake in newly independent Armenia, more police officers disband the veil of shyness and publicly exhibit their identity to the nation.

"I'm proud to be who I am and I don't care what people think. Public opinion does not decide my personal choices," says one of the marchers, captain Abgar Popikyan walking in vanguard of the parade. "At first I was humbled to reveal my identity to family and friends, but it's just not right to deny it. Yes, world, I'm a policeman and you have to accept me the way I am!," claims Popikyan.

Hundreds of traffic and patrol officers wearing shiny police uniform were approaching puzzled drivers and giving out roses and candies. Traffic was paralyzed on Mashtots and Tumanyan intersection for a few hours as officers, singing "We shall overcome" approached their ultimate destination near Northern Avenue where they united around a podium to declare police emancipation.

Chief of Traffic Police Pipinyan made the long-expected announcement at the culmination of the event: "My dear colleagues, my heart shivers as I see you gathered here… several generations of our officers have cherished the dream of this day, when we can proudly raise our head in Yerevan and say I am an Armenian traffic police officer and I am proud of what I am!" Pipinyan remained unashamed of dripping tears and continued: "I believe our kind has suffered the most from unhealthy criticism of cruel society.. I mean.. This is a day of big joy when we can say.. we are free! Fee at last.. free at last."

Conservatives denounce police pride parade as non-Armenian

The parade was gloomed the next day as some conservative forces stepped in to denounce the emotional movement. One of chief Dashnaks Giro Manoyan slammed the parade in a press conference: "It is not natural for a man to be a police officer. Especially for Armenian men. I am surprised that the mayor's office sanctioned the march."

It later was clarified by the mayor that police actually are entitled to freedom of expression under current legislation. Mayor Sevoyan told our reporter Sergey Sargsyan in a private interview: "It's not my decision and the resentful conservatives should not blame me. We are now a part of the European council and the Europeans insist that we should allow for police officers to express their identity among others."

Incidentally, head of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Armenia (GLAA) Ashot Pavlikyan called the parade "disgusting" and "shameful" for a country like Armenia. "We are a proud nation and as much as we like European values, we should not go beyond limits… I mean, Police Pride Parade.. this is just disgraceful and unnatural. Why don't they just indulge in being police at home away from innocent eyes. There are kids watching them in the streets, for Chrissake…" said indignant activist.

This famous annual calendar of naked rugby players Dieux du Stade started in 2001 with a sensational back then video and photo shoot of hot French rugby players. This calendar has a charitable purpose too, and unsurprisingly became an instant hit among many gay men, myself including.

For the first time, a rugby player of Armenian origin (Argentinian) Juan Martin Berberian (photo above) appeared on this year’s issue of Dieux du Stade. He represents - hot ;) ! - September.

...and in Armenia

Always wanted to see Armenians there, and was wondering whether anything similar is possible in Armenia. It may sound an impossible task at first sight. But only at first sight. Apparently, such an attempt has been made in Yerevan, involving a local and international football players. The photo-session by designer / art director Vahan Khachatryan (who should get a hero recognition for attempting - successfully! - at seemingly impossible task) appeared in Armenian magazine Chocolate a few years ago. Via Kamoblog, some photos and a video from the shootings (below), presented by the author Vahan Khachatryan. [Photo-shoot by Artashes Martirosyan; video by Artyom Abovyan.] On the first couple of photos is Armenian footballer Karen, then 21 yrs old. Others were foreigners playing at Armenian football clubs.

Wednesday, 9 September 2009

Queering Yerevan posted an Armenian-English ‘mini-dictionary’ re the word “drag”. We do not have a straightforward, and easy to remember/comprehend, equivalent of “drag” in Armenian. Shushan Avagyan suggests փոխհագվել (փոխհագություն).

Although it’s a bit long, it seems to me OK version of “drag”. However, փոխարքա (drag king) and փոխթագուհի (drag queen) don’t sound right, as փոխ- in this case sounds more like a “deputy” (or "vice", like փոխ-նախարար, փոխ-նախագահ) in Armenian and could be confusing.

Other suggestions? If you do have one, please, leave a comment here or on Queering Yerevan.

An impressive example of activism by gay Armenian woman in Yerevan, challenging and questioning existing gay related perceptions and knowledge in our society. Watch the video from the action ("survey") on Queering Yerevan.

Friday, 4 September 2009

Few months ago, in the aftermath of Armenia’s signing the UN gay rights statement, there have been increased attention and what some may call ‘debates’ on gay rights and homosexuality in Armenia. With another wave of current unhealthy attention to gay Armenians from specific circles of Armenian media or groups, it’s good to remind how such 'debates' proceeded then.

For weirdest reasons, the most active and most invited to such ‘debates’ were the so called ‘management expert’ Harutyun Mesropyan (I do not think anyone heard of him before that) and infamous ex(or fake)-environmentalist Khachik Stamboltsyan whose reputation in Armenia is... well, basically non-existent.

Armenian blogger Uzogh reflected one of such ‘debates’ under the tag of “Marazmovedenie” (marasmus) rightly wondering: why on earth a ‘management expert’ (!) and Khachik Stamboltsyan are invited to discuss homosexuality?

The best reflection in Armenian media was provided by Azg daily. I am re-posting here their article in full (in Armenian, below). Pretty current, considering the circumstances.

Oh, and for a video clip from a ‘debate’ (in case you need any more proof), have a look at Lragir.

Thursday, 3 September 2009

Popular (in Armenia too) Russian pop singer Lolita known for her support of gay rights and statements against homophobia, finished working on a new music video clip as a soundtrack for an upcoming gay-themed Russian film. This song has been dubbed in Russia a 'gay anthem', as reportedly Lolita made it in support of gay rights. Not sure about 'gay anthem', but she rules. Read what she has to say (in Russian). Truly, Quote of The Day:

Wednesday, 2 September 2009

Group of students of Mkhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex (Yerevan) visited PINK Armenia and participated in a training on gender stereotypes. Their feedback - very positive. Well done, PINK, and well done, students.